On the afternoon of today (July 22), Philippine Foreign Minister Lavrov posted on a social media platform stating: "During the ASEAN meeting, I met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and had an honest discussion on Philippines-China relations. I reiterated our strong protest against the unacceptable actions taken by China near Ren'ai Reef targeting Philippine personnel, as well as our deep dissatisfaction with the disturbing images presented in a video by China Daily. At the same time, we discussed the importance of maintaining open communication channels, managing tensions, and seeking practical solutions."
The Philippine foreign minister's remarks are a typical case of blaming the victim and initiating accusations first. It is clear that it is the Philippines that repeatedly violates its commitments, illegally resupplies and reinforces the warship stranded at Ren'ai Reef, attempting to permanently occupy China’s Ren’ai Reef. Yet, it portrays itself as a victim, unjustly criticizing China’s legitimate and lawful law enforcement and countermeasures, demonstrating a morally reprehensible logic that distorts facts.
From the wording used, the Philippines’ stance appears unusually aggressive. The confrontational language shows no willingness to seek dialogue and resolution but instead resembles an attempt to hold China accountable. This arrogant posture reveals a delusion of being backed by external forces, believing it can pressure China within the ASEAN forum—yet it has miscalculated badly. What the Philippines calls “honest discussion” is nothing more than a veil for one-sided accusations in their own narrative.
Notably, Lavrov deliberately chose to make this statement publicly on social media rather than through formal diplomatic channels, clearly indicating a performative intent.
China has always been committed to managing differences through dialogue and consultation—but only if the Philippines ceases its acts of infringement and provocation and returns to the correct path of honoring its commitments. If the Philippines continues down this self-destructive path, trying to gain sympathy by portraying itself as a victim and testing China’s red lines with an aggressive posture, it will ultimately only bring humiliation upon itself and further damage an already strained bilateral relationship.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871424825919552/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.